Lidl wants to build seven new supermarkets in Dorset

The budget supermarket’s newly released ‘wish list’ has been released as part of its 30th year in the United Kingdom. 

Currently, Lidl has planning applications dotted across the county including in Sandford, Moordown and Poole and has built new supermarkets in West Parley, Verwood and Ferndown. 

But now we could be getting more because according to the wish list, Lidl has its eyes set on Boscombe, Bournemouth town centre (where it closed one a couple of years ago), Christchurch, Poole town centre, Parkstone, Swanage and Lymington in the New Forest. 

The German discounter closed in Bournemouth town centre in 2022 (Image: Daily Echo)

Richard Taylor, Lidl GB’s chief development officer, said: “We’re planning to open hundreds of new Lidl stores but ultimately see no ceiling on our ambition or growth potential.  

“This is why we’re continuing to invest in new locations whilst exploring innovative routes to expansion. 

“As we look ahead, we’re excited to welcome even more new shoppers to our existing stores, as well as those we’re planning to open across the country in the coming months and years.” 

Lidl has 13 supermarkets in this side of the county, or 14 if you count Ringwood. Meanwhile, there are eight Aldi supermarkets in the same area, or nine if you count New Milton.

Could Swanage get a new Lidl? (Image: Daily Echo)

Small wonder why Lidl is also celebrating in its 30th year its highest market share nationally at eight per cent. 

Mr Taylor added: “Having fortified our infrastructure with significant investments like Luton, which is the largest warehouse in the Lidl world, we're proud to have achieved record market share this month.  

“We have also been the fastest growing bricks and mortar supermarket for the past seven months in a row.  

“With an exceptional store network and our laser focus on operational excellence, we’re welcoming more customers through our doors than ever before, which positions us perfectly for continued expansion.” 

The German-based brand still needs to fight off more than 80 objectors to its proposed supermarket in Westover retail park, Bournemouth. The plans would include the demolition of the existing businesses including Pets at Home, Pizza Hut and Prama charity superstore. 

Meanwhile, a planning application in Sandford Road, just outside of Wareham, is expected to go to committee later this year following hundreds of letters of feedback both positive and negative. 

Those in favour argue a new Lidl will benefit residents as there are no major supermarkets in Purbeck. But those against say it’s going to add a lot more traffic to what is arguably one of Dorset’s busiest roads.